IPL Photofacial is Toronto’s Skin-Brightening Go-To

IPL (intense pulsed light), also called “photofacial”, is Toronto’s leading non-invasive complexion BFF year after year. You may be aware that IPL is used to target patches of sun-damaged or hyperpigmented skin. You may not know about the numerous additional benefits that intense pulsed light can offer. Do you have trouble with broken capillaries (thread veins), redness, darkened acne scars, uneven texture, or large pores? There’s a good reason why Toronto IPL photofacial patients have made this versatile, non-invasive laser treatment their skin-brightening go-to.

We’re taking a closer look at what IPL can do to brighten your complexion. The beauty boutiques and drugstores are well-stocked with formulas to “lighten skin”. However, not all products or treatments in this category are created equal. You’ll see topical creams with vitamin C (an excellent skin cell rebuilder and antioxidant) or grapefruit, various acids, and even hydroquinone. In the hands of a qualified skin specialist, some of the more potent topical spot lighteners yield satisfying results. They treat mainly surface issues, and none are instant.

Is a Toronto IPL photofacial better than brightening creams?

Maybe you’re like many of our clients, who’ve dutifully applied Korean beauty treatments or brightening creams on problem spots but don’t see the eraser effect they were hoping for. That’s likely because your pigment deposits are deep under the epidermis, and that layer just can’t be reached with surface products. Don’t worry, your collection of serums won’t go to waste. Maintaining an even, glowing complexion with medical-grade skincare is highly recommended. But first you need the eraser.

IPL photofacial — nothing spot-treats better

Photorejuvenation is a laser-like procedure that harnesses intense pulsed light (IPL) and electrical energy. Sunspots, age spots, brown patches, and scar pigmentation are no match for IPL. Without applying a harsh chemical or anything abrasive, the focused light achieves dramatic pigment correction.

In Toronto, Sovereign Skin IPL photofacials are delivered with AFT (Advanced Fluorescence Technology), the new-generation laser treatment that improves and balances skin tone.

AFT uses low energy light, which doesn’t damage the skin’s surface. It gently heats tissue with an “equal distribution” technique, which is different from traditional IPL treatments. Rather than a single wavelength of light, AFT (advanced IPL photofacial) emits gentle energy in multiple wavelengths. The spectrum filtering system eliminates hot spots, which makes it powerful, yet safe. The advanced technology means that the treated areas often show improvement after just 1 session, rather than 5 to 6 sessions of the traditional IPL technology.

What’s the science behind spot removal with IPL?

The reason why IPL photofacial works so well to target unwanted pigment and damaged cells can be attributed to a process called photothermolysis.

Photo – refers to pigments in the skin like melanin absorbing light

Thermo – refers to the transformation of absorbed light into heat

Lysis – describes the destruction of target cells

When the handpiece is applied to your skin, pulsed light passes through the surface and penetrates to the lower dermis layer. That’s where the cellular differences causing visible discoloration are. This is also where topical creams just can’t reach. When the light reaches this layer, it breaks down the pigmented cells to be cleared from the body through the lymphatic system. While the light wavelengths precisely target pigmented cells, they also stimulate fibroblasts to create new collagen. Over time, collagen smoothes away uneven skin texture, enlarged pores, and wrinkles.

IPL photofacial treatments target numerous complexion concerns, such as:

• Sunspots
• Melasma
• Acne blemishes
• Freckles
• Broken capillaries and veins
• Rosacea
• Fine lines
• Lesions
• Moles

Can IPL photofacial work for dark skin types?

Red spots are common with inflammatory conditions like rosacea and environmental damage. Hyperpigmentation may develop along with acne scarring or other skin trauma and even hormonal shifts. Patients with naturally dark skin tones and many Asian skin types often find that they produce excess pigment in response to skin injury or irritation.

The AFT technology allows for a broad spectrum of skin tones to be safely treated. However, people with darker skin types are still advised to use alternative methods of complexion care for optimal safety.

Our experienced Sovereign nurses will assess your skin, goals, and expectations. They’ll discuss the benefits and risks associated with your IPL treatment and recommend your best options.

Why are IPL photofacials in Toronto in high demand?

Photorejuvenation/photofacial is a popular treatment, because it can achieve so much with minimal downtime. Your skin benefits may include:

• Refined pore size
• Scar reduction
• Textural improvement
• Youthful, smoother skin
• Lightening darkened areas
• Lightening age spots
• Removing brown spots on the face, neck, and hands
• Lightening redness due to rosacea
• Reducing dilated blood vessels on the face, neck, or chest
• Minimizing skin flushing
• Stimulating collagen
• Reducing wrinkles and fine lines
• Decreasing oil production

All this with no incisions, abrasion, or time off work for healing!

Are there side effects from IPL?

AFT photorejuvenation diminishes irregular pigmentation by destroying the cells containing melanin. For this reason, dark skin tones do not typically benefit from this treatment and, in some cases, may experience damage from it. Each patient is advised to have a one-on-one consultation with our laser skincare specialists to determine whether IPL is optimal for their skin type.

Depending on the degree of individual treatment, patients may see a sunburned look for a few hours following IPL, and the targeted spots will temporarily darken before sloughing off in 5 to 7 days.

Most people return to regular activities immediately after treatment. You can apply makeup or wash your face as soon as you wish. Photorejuvenation is considered a safe, non-invasive procedure appropriate for many skin types. Rare side effects include swelling, blistering, and unwanted pigmentation changes, so it’s essential to visit an experienced, qualified practitioner. Generally, IPL photofacial recovery is fast, and the results are very satisfying.

Is maintenance required after IPL photofacial?

Maintenance treatments are usually recommended 3 to 4 times a year. Your skincare experts will also advise you about a daily regimen that you can use to gently exfoliate and protect from further damage.

Book your free assessment at Sovereign Skin

Are you ready to erase unwanted spots and brighten your complexion? This fall, Toronto IPL photofacials are repairing sun-damaged skin all over the city. Get an even, healthy glow with the best non-invasive light therapy available.

We look forward to meeting you and planning your complexion rejuvenation. Call today and find out how.